Browsing “Family Fun”

With the World Ski and Snowboard Festival marking the end of the ski season and swimming at the lakes still in the distance, the shoulder season for Whistlerities traditionally means vacationing or visiting family. For those of us with young children it’s a whole new travel experience, one that takes careful planning and preparation.

I’m not a planner nor am I overly organized, so shortly after I booked our trip home for the holidays to visit family with then seven week old Addie and 60lbs Truman on a stand-by flight, I started to panic. My anxiety escalated when I asked friends and family doctor for advice on travelling with an infant, “you do whatever it takes to survive” is what I was told. With that in mind I packed like a champ and researched different scenarios.

I walked on the plane with Addie in carrier firmly attached to me, an oversized diaper bag filled with toys, diapers, wipes, change of clothes for the both of us and soother (whatever it takes!) trying to apologize to people with my eyes while their glance told me “for the love of God don’t sit in my row!”. We were fortunate to get the last available seat in the back of the plane with an empty seat next to us and when we passed everyone I could literally feel them breathe a sigh of relief.

We settled into our seat and the first thing my delicate flower did was let out a thunderous smelly present down under. I rushed to the tiny lavatory changed her diaper and outfit in record time and returned to my seat just in time for take-off but without time to peel off the layers of clothes I was wearing to nurse! Needless to say, Addie didn’t get her milk until almost 30,000 feet in the air. Here are some tips that helped me survive the next five hours:

Request an empty seat next to you. It never hurts to ask when you’re checking in if your flight is fully booked. Depending on the time of travel you might be lucky with a free seat (or even row) without having to fork out extra cash!
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Highlights So Far Include: World Skiing Invitational Big Air and Slopestyle, Free Outdoor Concert Featuring Nas, and Whistler’s Black Diamond Betties Victory At Vengeance In The Valley

 The first half of the World Ski and Snowboard Festival (WSSF) in Whistler, BC has been an adrenaline-fueled and action-packed, five days; but that was only the beginning. There are still five more days of sport, art, music and fashion to come at WSSF, with the action continuing day and night right through to Sunday, April 21.

Looking ahead to what is still in store at the World Ski and Snowboard Festival:

• The Shred Show, presented by Monster Energy, will take place April 18 to 20. Snowboarding events include the Boarderstyle on Blackcomb Mountain Thursday, April 18; the Slopestyle on Blackcomb Mountain Friday, April 19; and the Big Air in Skiers Plaza at the base of Whistler Mountain on Saturday April 20. Both the Slopestyle and Big Air contests will be World Snowboard Tour 5 Star Events. Live scoring and results will be available online at http://live.eim-solutions.com/shredshow2013.
• The OLYMPUS Pro Photographer Showdown will take place on Thursday, April 18 in the Whistler Conference Centre. This year’s competitors who will be competing for $10,000 include: Andy Wright, Bryan Ralph, Chris Burkard, Darcy Bacha, and Oskar Enander.
• Intersection, presented by Bromley Baseboards will take place in the Whistler Conference Centre on Friday, April 19. The four competing teams have had seven days to shoot, edit and produce a five to seven minute action sports film. The teams competing for the $15,000 grand prize this year include Heart Films, Leo Zuckerman, Nuulife Cinema and Voleurz.
• The WSSF late night party circuit will wrap up with The END at the Whistler Conference Centre on Saturday, April 20. Featuring performances from The Funk Hunters, Luke McKeehan, SkiiTour and Neighbour, doors to The END will open at 10pm and the party will continue until 4am, Sunday morning. Tickets to The END are still available at the Whistler Activity Centre.
• The Outdoor Concert Series will also continue throughout the rest of the World Ski and Snowboard Festival, with free shows from K-OS, Swollen Members, Arkells and more. For the full schedule of events still to come at WSSF and for information on how to purchase tickets, visit www.wssf.com. Read more

Most years during February I begin dreaming of sun, sand, surf, and mojitos before Goggling my possible escape from beautiful BC. However, if I’m honest with myself, the escape I dream of isn’t from Whistler – I mean come on, this is one of the most beautiful, inspiring, restful, and eventful places on earth. My real escape, let it be known, is from the hungry shackles of my desk and its’ constant deadlines.

Enter BC’s first BC Family Day; a BC sanctioned respite from the drudgery of chasing green and paying the bills. And I love that it’s called Family Day because I’m a huge advocate for families and believe the family who plays together stays together. As a young Whistler family I’d like to invite you to Whistler this weekend to celebrate Family and for you to engage deeply with yours.

Over breakfast this morning my family and I came up with a list of 10 things we recommend you do with your family in Whistler this weekend.

1. Family Ski Day at Whistler Blackcomb

With 8000+ acres of shreddable terrain the variety of places to ski or snowboard is astounding. From advanced/expert to beginner, there is somewhere for anyone in your family to ski.

To celebrate BC Family Day Whistler Blackcomb is offering 50% off lift ticket’s on Monday, Feb. 11^th for BC residents. This is easily the best price you will ever pay to ski at Whistler so definitely take advantage of it!

Side Note: My 4-year old, between bites of pancake, was pretty adamant that your kids go to ski school. It’s an awesome program – check it out.

2. Ice-Skating @ Whistler Olympic Plaza

A super fun and family friendly skating rink, be sure to lace’em up and go skating, take a family photo at the Olympic rings, and finish up by grabbing a hot chocolate at Blenz just a hop skip and jump away from the rink. Admission to the rink is free and, during Family Day weekend, skate rentals are 50% off. More info here.

3. Pancakes at Southside Diner

Worth every penny. However, one of the rules on the menu at Southside goes something like this: “Unruly children will be fed espresso and given a kitten.” We give Southside two thumbs up as a great place to start the day.

4. Coffee & Cinnamon Buns at Pika’s in the Roundhouse

Fresh coffee, fresh cinnamon buns, and incredible alpine vistas; need I say more? Oh yeah, I should. Get there early before the cinnamon buns are gone! You’ve been warned.

5. Coca-Cola Tube Park

This is something we actually haven’t done yet as a family but is something we keep talking about doing. Whenever my son and I ski by the tube park we, without fail, are forced to stand at the top and watch the tubing until I have to drag him away. It’s definitely on our tic-list of things to do.

6. Family Swim

Swimming is always a win for our family and, though a dip in one of Whistler’s local lakes isn’t advisable (or possible) right now, there are a couple swim options worth checking out. For a family-friendly and reasonably priced experience check out the Meadow Park Rec Centre or, for a unique Whistlerish experience, take your family over to the Fairmont and spend your day at the pools/spa there.

7. Whistler Arts Council Children’s Craft

Each day during Family Day weekend the Whistler Arts Council is hosting children’s craft tables at Millennium Place (near the Olympic Rings). It’s free, drop-in, and is available from 2pm-3:30pm daily.

8. Zogg’s Poutine & the Fire & Ice Show

Every Sunday night at 6:30pm fire spinners and some of Whistler’s best skiers and snowboarders session a big air jump that launches them through a ring of fire. It’s a pretty fun event and, I guarantee, sure to create some last memories for the wide-eyed kiddies.

Bring some cash and get there early so you can sample the poutine from Zoggs. This is something you shouldn’t eat regularly if you value your health but is something everyone should eat from time-to-time. It’s that good (and the perfect pairing to the Fire & Ice Show).

9. Kid Friendly Apres

Most (all?) of the patio’s around the base of the gondola’s are kid-friendly until 8pm which means when you’re finished skiing you can grab a pint for yourself, some hot chocolates, and a huge plate of nacho’s as you recount an awesome family day on the mountain.

While not really an après spot, a fun family post-skiing spot is over at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Pick out a couple candy apples and split them between yourselves and give the giant teddy bear a hug.

10. Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

Used as a means to preserve Squamish and Lil’wat cultures and to share them with others, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is a beautiful and interactive experience taking visitors into a different time and culture. Fun kids activities, beautiful aboriginal art, a coffee shop, and a place to see and feel and touch a bit of British Columbia’s past, present, and future.

Anyhow, enjoy Whistler and BC Family Day. More than that, engage deeply with your own family, pay close attention to your partner, hug your kids, turn your phone off, and be thankful we get to do family life in one of the most beautiful places on earth. 

-Jer

Nationally renowned for stage adaptations that get kids excited about reading classic literature, Monster Theatre for Kids brings A Christmas Carol to Millennium Place on Saturday, December 22.

Using puppetry, masks, improv, original songs, physical comedy and good old-fashioned storytelling, this production will expose young audiences to the classic Dickens tale told Monster-style by bookish Ryan and clownish Tara.

Children will meet the world’s most feared and grumpy theatrical impresario and more than fifty other characters, all performed by just two actors.

After the puppets, jugglers, fire eaters and flying ghosts have left the stage, the show ends with a heartwarming finale.

“The Monsters at Monster Theatre tell me this is the perfect way to warm your heart and exercise your laugh muscles. Who am I to argue with a Monster?” says WAC events manager Patty Blomberg. “Combined with the children’s craft station open just before the performance, we think this will be the perfect family night out for the holidays.”

WHAT: Monster Theatre’s Production of A Christmas Carol

WHEN: Saturday, December 22, 2012 at 7pm; children’s craft station at 5:30 pm

WHERE: Millennium Place

TICKETS: Adult: $22.50/ Senior/Student: $15/ WAC Member: $17.50 / Child: $11.50

Tickets available at artswhistler.com or at Millennium Place.

MORE ABOUT MONSTER THEATRE FOR KIDS

Moose joke #126

What is a moose’s favourite thing to put on a hot dog?

Moosetard.

The Whistler Arts Council is pleased to welcome four celebrated performers as they premiere their new collaboration “Moose in a Top Hat, the ultimate show of comedy, mystery and magic.”

More accustomed to the Vegas circuit than Whistler’s mountains, the performers will bring their Vaudeville-style acts to Millennium Place on Friday, December 28 in two shows, a matinee for kids and an evening show for grown-ups.

The performers include funny man Matthew Johnson, mentalist Christopher Taylor and magicians Trevor and Lorena Watters.
At the family matinee show children will meet Professor T who brings to life the magic all around us. Kids of all ages will appreciate the crazy antics of balloon-twisting funny man Matthew Johnson, more commonly known in Whistler as that tattooed balloon guy from the Children’s Arts Festival. A show highlight will be when Trevor appears to saw his wife Lorena in two.

The adult show features mindreading and more comedy and magic, all with a grown-up dose of humour. Read more

Whistler Blackcomb’s annual “Dress Like Santa Day” will take place on Saturday, December 22. A free lift ticket will be awarded to the first 75 skiers and riders who check in at the Garibaldi Lift Company at the base of Whistler Mountain in their very best Santa or Mrs. Claus costume.

Santa Day at Whistler Blackcomb 2011 from Whistler Blackcomb on Vimeo.

The costume must include red or black pants or a skirt for Mrs. Claus, a red jacket with white trim, a black belt, a beard for Santa, and of course, a Santa or Mrs. Claus hat. The meeting time for all Santa and Mrs. Claus participants is 8am on the patio of the Garibaldi Lift Company. One free lift ticket per person will be awarded to the first 75 people who meet costume requirements.

“Mrs. Claus and I never miss Santa Day at Whistler Blackcomb, and we cannot wait for December 22” says Santa Claus. “I have a big job to do on December 24 and Santa Day allows me to relax and enjoy the slopes at Whistler Blackcomb before my big day.”

All Santas will upload the Fitzsimmons Express at 8:30am, continue up Garbanzo Express, then ski or ride to the bottom of the Emerald Express as a group for a photo opportunity. After the photos participating Santas will have a chance to take home some Christmas gifts courtesy of Whistler Blackcomb. After the photos, all Santas are free to enjoy their day on the mountains.

No registration is necessary for the event; lift tickets will be given on a first come first serve basis. Participants with a season pass will receive a one-day lift ticket valid between January 1 and 31, 2013.

The thing about alternative lifestyle, medicine and healing is that it’s a little confusing. The words hippy, crystals and zen-like meditative state come to mind, all with positive connotations of course, but it can all be a little perplexing to the uninitiated. Well, fret no more grasshoppers, for the wheelers and dealers of the calming world have banded together to bring you an all-encompassing journey for the mind, body and soul with the Just U Health & Wellness Fair - December 1st, 10am-6pm and 2nd, 10am-4pm in the Sea to Sky hotel in Squamish, hosted by Gwen Sloan of  Just U Reflexology ~ 604-815-9640 or justureflexology@shaw.ca

The Fair is an amalgamation of inner and outer wellbeing and health products, services and lifestyles, alongside inspirational speakers from a realm of alternative perspectives, as well as music concerts, meditation and creative healing sessions. You do not have to have previously partaken in any aspects of these otherworldly experiences; or you could be one step away from eternal bliss, happiness and Japhy Ryder-like Zen-Buddhism existence; you will certainly be able to find a new aspect of health and wellness that inspires and speaks to you.

The Fair boasts 35 booths of amazing healing Products and healers promoting health and wellness and an incredible panel of speakers:

Saturday December 1st , 2012: Read more

My new model needs a nose job! Anyone out there qualified?

Well, well if luck is not on my side….

Another beautiful week in Whistler with the snow still coming!

Yeah Whistler opening, yeah! Awesome. Blackcomb now open! Yes. Now with both mountains officially open it’s time to get sliding and enjoy the arts a la Whistler!

First news, Stephen Vogler has another Eclectic 5 event happening this Friday night at Dusty’s! The night is filled with poetry, song and who knows, maybe even some dance? Anyway, Stephen has Simon Stribling jamming with Josh Roberts on banjo for the first half of the eve. The music is pure southern style. More than likely it will be hot, moody and sweaty in the ol Dusty’s for their set. Did I mention Raj? He as always will be opening the night with Stephen.

For the second half we find Jordan White from She stole My Beer and FOMO performing on his instrument of choice, the keyboard. At first, he will play solo, to be followed with accompaniment of Rajan Das and Stephen and Simon for a no-holds jam de jour, or night. It should be super fun as I just saw Jordan jam with the FOMO boys at the Halloween show we did at the Brewery. It was a great show and I advise you whole heartedly to attend the night as they are super improv and fun. The night is by donation. A little plug for the All-Stars. http://www.neworleansalestars.com/

Bizarre Bazaar and Bratz Biz is on this weekend! Perfect timing for the early shoppers of the Christmas faith. The Bizarre is on its 24th year and proving to go on stronger than before! With over 100 booths and the association of the Bratz Biz, I don’t see how someone couldn’t get someone something from the event. The event showcases artisans and their crafts. From painting to toys to tiles, there should be something for you there. Maybe even a little gift for me? Your favorite WIA guy? Haha, the times are 10am till 7pm Saturday and 10am till 3pm on Sunday. Entry is by donation and the event will be at the Conference Centre.

Also, other Arne news: I know it seems like the WIA Arts page might look like a mouthpiece for my artistic endeavours but it’s true, it is! I am so lucky that I have that opportunity to share all my happenings with you, the people of Awesome-ness. This week is no different as, once again I have super exciting news about another couple of shows that I am doing and moving.

I just got confirmation that after I tear down the wine box show on Sunday I will bring it down to the Beaumont Studios in Vancouver for a late January show!!! Sooooo stoked! Charmaine and Jude from the Beaumont are such great supporters of the arts that it is hard not to include them in my artistic adventures. I love the space and the work they do for the community and can’t wait to have the show there!!! If you’re not familiar with the Beaumont then please, check out their website. This is a little bio on my “Paper This!” show I did previously. Stay tuned for info on my Big Birthday Party/ Art Opening.

Love yah all, but I gotta shred!

Cheers,

arne g

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. There’ll be singing and dancing and drinking and prancing and drinking and skiing and drinking and laughter and drinking… Oooh, It’s the MOST wonderful time of the Year! Happy Holidays Y’all!

Ninety-nine per cent of people love the holidays, the other one per cent are liars (or they actually really don’t like family/presents/turkey/snow/run’n’eggnog, in which case, I’m sorry.) Christmas means many things to many people, but here in Whistler there’s a universal understanding that life goes on, regardless of Santa’s appearance – or lack thereof – and a typical family-oriented Christmas Day is usually not on the cards.

More likely, you’ll wake up with a raging hangover, and head to your place of work for a phenomenal eight hours of joyous customer service, or, with any luck, strap on your plank(s) and get some Christmas Day turns in before the turkey dinner with housemates (which evidently turns into an impromptu houseparty). Read more